Amanda Seyfried shares her earliest reading memory and the books that changed everything

Amanda Seyfried reflected on her early relationship with reading during a recent conversation, admitting that books didn’t immediately capture her interest when she was young. “I didn’t really like reading when I was little,” she said, explaining that it wasn’t until she found the right author that everything changed.

The actress said she became hooked around the age of 10 after discovering thrillers by Lois Duncan, calling them the first books she truly connected with. “Those books made me feel really adult,” Seyfried shared, adding that she “devoured” them once she found stories that matched her curiosity and comfort level. She described the experience as empowering and said it helped reshape how she viewed reading altogether.

Seyfried also connected her experience to her own daughter, noting similarities in their early attitudes toward books. “You’ve got to find something that you really enjoy and that makes you feel safe,” she said, emphasizing that reading should never feel forced. According to Seyfried, discovering the right genre or author can make all the difference for young readers.

The actress’ comments highlight how personal and transformative reading can be, especially when children are allowed to explore stories at their own pace. Seyfried’s reflections offered a relatable reminder that a love of books doesn’t always come instantly — sometimes it just takes the right story at the right time.